2026 Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Henry Ford Community College
Dearborn, MI

Henry Ford Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools in the Great Lakes Region. Henry Ford Community College is a large public school located in the city of Dearborn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,568, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Students borrow a median of $18,876 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Henry Ford Community College generally make around $36,247. Set against $18,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

A rank of #2 makes Wayne State University one of the best values for urban & regional planning. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban & regional planning graduates is $26,689. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $64,788. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

3

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban & regional planning graduates is $24,518. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $47,863. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban & regional planning, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $35,960. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

A rank of #5 makes Ohio State University Main Campus one of the best values for urban & regional planning. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical student debt for urban & regional planning graduates is $25,250. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $47,305. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

6

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in urban & regional planning this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Students borrow a median of $25,464 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $46,122. Set against $25,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.